Commercial and Industrial Structure Plan debate continues

After the workshop held at the Great Lake Centre on Monday 24 August, Councillors have asked for more information before moving forward on plans to revitalise the Taupo CBD.

The main topic of debate centred on whether construction of a multi-use three storey building on the North Domain combining an Arts/Heritage/Cultural Centre, a new Council Administration building and an Events/Community Activities Pavilion (on the ground floor) would be acceptable to the ratepayers of Taupo.

The workshop began at 10am and by the end of the day the Councillors had requested various additional information and options be provided for their future consideration. Information was requested on two separate buildings, one a potential new Council Administration Building on the current Roberts Street car park site by Burger King, and the separate construction of a proposed new Arts/Heritage/Cultural Centre on the existing Taupo Museum site. The practical and financial implications of these options were also asked for.

Councillors also drilled down into the details relating to proposed CBD roading changes, including the proposed new vehicle access through the Domain and proposed new additional parking and bus stops. The project team, including planning staff and urban design and architectural experts, assured councillors that both Taupo’s current and future needs had been thoroughly considered in the proposed designs of the ‘preferred option’ to ensure that it is ‘future proofed’.

A further workshop will be held as soon as possible to go over the additional information and the different options and then decide when further public consultation will be undertaken.